Planning for next school year has begun!
As most of you likely know, SJAM is going to feel like a very different school next year. Our
French Immersion program is moving to the new school – and SJAM will no longer have a
French Immersion program. In June we will be saying goodbye to approximately 300 students
and about 20 staff members. This summer you will also notice the removal of all 5 of our current
portables.
For those families remaining at SJAM, we will soon be coming together as a staff to carefully
consider class placements for your child for the 2018-2019 school year.
Our SJAM staff care deeply about student needs. Years of meeting the learning needs of children
give our teachers the unique qualifications to recommend student placement decisions. Rest
assured that placing students and balancing classes will include the best opportunities for student
achievement and well-being.
A balanced class reflects the diversity of our community and allows the variety of interests and
talents of our learners to emerge and be appreciated. Like your family, the class unit provides a
balance of opportunities for a range of learners to succeed through appropriate challenges. The
learner develops the feeling of belonging and the feeling that in a variety of ways he/she makes a
noticed contribution. The family, the school and the community provide opportunities for
children to socialize. Each new school year brings opportunities to meet new friends and expand
our circle of acquaintances. School becomes more comfortable and familiar and accordingly our
potentials have great possibilities of realization.
The following are the criteria we use to guide our placements:
Balance of Ability, Interests and Talents - all children are unique and different.
The teacher’s task of providing meaningful learning programs is enhanced when classes
are created to accommodate instructional groupings.
Learning Style - how does the learner go about the process of learning? What kind of
environment would best suit the learner?
Social Blending - what is the best cluster of individuals to effectively and efficiently
learn? This should not be viewed as a grouping of friends. At particular stages, some
close friends learn best in separate classes.
Administrator’s Message
Kathy Lott
Principal
Tara Wagg
Vice Principal
Debbie Wong
Office
Administrative
Assistant
Mary-Lena
Gruppuso
Secretary
Rose Ferruzzo
Secretary
Peter Tse
Superintendent of
Schools
905.940.7800
Billy Pang
Trustee
Sir John A. Macdonald Public School
45 Murison Drive, Markham, ON, L6C 0J4
t. 905.888.5777 f. 905.927.2082
www: http://sirjohnamacdonald.ps.yrdsb.ca/
email: [email protected]
twitter: @sjamps
March, 2018
Volume 6, Issue 5
The PRIME
SCHOOL DAY
TIMES
For all Students JK-8
7:50-8:00 a.m.
Yard Supervision
7:55 a.m.
Entry Bell
8:05-9:45 a.m.
Learning Block
9:45-10:15 a.m.
Recess
10:15-11:55 a.m.
Learning Block
11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
Lunch (all students
outside from 11:55 a.m.-
12:30 p.m.)
12:55-2:35 p.m.
Learning Block
2:35 p.m.
Dismissal
March Break is March 12th—16th
Back to School March 19TH
2017-2018
Professional
Activity &
Training Days
(No School for
Students)
Friday, June 4, 2018
Thursday, June 28, 2018
11:05 a.m. DISMISSAL
FOR ALL STUDENTS
Friday, June 29, 2018
2017-18
School Holidays
(School Closed)
March Break
March 12-16, 2018
Good Friday
Friday, March 30, 2018
Easter Monday
Monday, April 2, 2018
Victoria Day
Monday, May 21, 2018
Administrator’s Message (Page 2 cont’d)
Class Placement Requests –
Do we need to know something particular about your child that you feel we do not
already know?
Aside from requesting a particular teacher, or for your child to be with a specific friend, parent
input is taken into consideration.
If your child has been in a combined grade for 2 years in a row, please do feel free to request a
straight grade for your child for 2018-2019 school year. Please send an email to
[email protected] and we will add your request to your child’s class placement card. While we
cannot make any promises with class placements at this time, we do take all factors into considera-
tion. Combined grade classes are a reality in Ontario public schools.
If you have information to share with us, it must be shared in writing by Friday,
April 13th, 2018.
Our school population for September 2018 is projected to be approximately 450 students.
Our TENTATIVE school organization is below here for your reference –
· 5 Kindergarten classes - Grade 4A
· Grade 1A - Grade 4/5
· Grade 1B - Grade 5/6
· Grade 1/2B - Grade 6
· Grade 2A - Grade 6/7
· Grade 2/3A - Grade 7/8
· Grade 3A - Grade 8
- Community Class
The above 2018-2019 school organization is TENTATIVE and may change based on students
moving in and students moving out of our SJAM school boundaries.
Please feel free to call me or drop in at any time if you have any questions or concerns as we plan
for a successful 2018-2019 school year!
New School Information Night
New school information was held last night here at SJAM. Parents in attendance had an opportu-
nity to meet our School Trustee, our School Superintendent, and the new school Principal –
Mr. Kevin Ko.
If you would like to review the presentation shared last night – or you were unable to attend – you
can view the presentation on the new school page here.
Contribute to Strategic Planning at YRDSB - Upcoming Town Halls
York Region District School Board is revisioning its Multi-Year Plan (MYP) and Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
and Well-being. The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction of public education in York Region public
schools. The MYP incorporates the direction established by the Trustees with feedback received from all stakeholders, and will
inform decision making at the Board in the years to come. Town halls will be taking place across the region and feedback collected
from families and community members will inform the creation of a new MYP. Your voice is important and your input and
feedback will help York Region District School Board support student achievement and well-being. There will also be other
opportunities, including a survey available in April, to share your thoughts if you are unable to attend a town hall.
Save the Date!
Summer Institute
Looking for summer learning and fun activities for students entering Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8? Summer Institute offers
academic, recreational and athletic programs and activities with intentional links to the Ontario Curriculum.
The program runs for six weeks during July and August. It is offered at 11 school sites around York Region.
For more information on dates, programs and locations, please visit the Summer Institute page on www.yrdsb.ca.
Registration opens March 7. Families can now register online, as well as in person or by mail.
Regional Parent Symposium
Inclusive School and Community Services in collaboration with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement
Advisory Committee (PEAC) is pleased to announce the return of its annual
Regional Parent Symposium: Parent Voice Matters!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
5:00pm - 9:00 pm
Sheraton Parkway Hotel, Richmond Hill
Call our SJAM office if you plan to attend.
TOWN HALL DATES AND TIMES LOCATIONS
Monday, April 16, 2018
7 - 9 p.m.
Keswick High School
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
6 - 9 p.m.
Markville Secondary School
1000 Carlton Rd., Markham
Sunday, April 22, 2018
2 - 4 p.m.
Sir William Mulock Secondary School
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Maple High School
50 Springside Rd., Maple
Saturday, April 28, 2018
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bayview Secondary School
10077 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill
Parking Lot Best Practices
On March 5 and 6, the Junior/Intermediate division is participating in a 2 day conference called "New Perspectives". Teachers from
the Junior/Intermediate classes created sessions that students from Grades 4-8 will rotate through over the course of two days.
The goal of the workshop is to help students gain an understanding of the varying perspectives people have, and to continue
building an inclusive and positive community at SJAM and beyond. Topics that will be covered include how to be an ally,
discrimination, cyberbullying, personal & social identities, among other important ideas surrounding equity and inclusion. SJAM is
committed to creating a sense of belonging for all students, staff and community members, and the New Perspectives Conference
will help with that by opening up the minds and hearts of our students, and challenging our ways of thinking.
New Perspectives Conference
As previously communicated, we appreciate everyone’s support with our school parking lot. Like most schools, our
parking lot is very busy at entry and dismissal times. Our foremost goal is safety for all students, staff and community
members, and we need your help.
In the interest of improved traffic flow during drop off and pick up, we would ask for your continued support with
current procedures:
· All drivers drive with particular care in and around the school. We share a common interest in providing a
safe environment for our almost 700 students and we ask that all drivers approach the school patiently, with
consideration for pedestrian traffic, and other drivers.
· When dropping off a child (or children), drivers are asked to pull into the furthest available curbside spot in
the Kiss and Ride, and take care when merging back into the inner driving lane. No student should be
dropped off from the inner driving lane and subsequently walk between vehicles.
· At no time should a vehicle be left unattended or otherwise parked in the Kiss and Ride as parking is not
permitted.
· Parents are to pull away from the Kiss and Ride as quickly and as safely as possible.
· Parents are not permitted to use the bus loop at the front of the school to drop off or pick up their children.
This is a designated Fire Route and is permitted to accommodate only school buses.
· Our parking lot is designed as a one way loop, please do not drive against the traffic. And for the safety of all
children, no student should be dropped off from the inner parking lot and subsequently walk between
vehicles
· We would ask, most of all, for your cooperation in supporting our traffic plan, and we appreciate your pa
tience in dropping off and picking up your children. We thank you for your support in helping to improve
drop off and pick up times at the school, and we would encourage you to review these procedures with your
children. As always, we remind parents that walking to school or the bus stop (if your child(ren) qualify) is
the best way to alleviate traffic congestion and both an environmentally friendly alternative to driving as well
as a healthy choice.
YOU WILL BE TICKETED if you park illegally in our school area!
This past week many, many tickets were issued to our parents.
POLICE presence has been requested for the safety of our children – and will
be at SJAM on a regular basis.
SAFETY is everyone’s responsibility.
With the spring weather upon us, please consider allowing your child(ren) to walk to school on their own – or with
a parent, guardian, friend, or older student if your child is in a primary grade.
Congratulations to the Intermediate Boys basketball team for tying for second place in their pool at areas. They played with energy
and intensity and came back with a total of two wins and 2 losses. In their first game against Laurier, they were down eight points
in the first half but made an outstanding comeback because of their excellent teamwork. In the end, they lost by 1 point to a clutch
free throw. In their second game, they lost by 11 points to Castlemore but they learned that they needed to close out on shooters
and get rebounds. In their third game they played Lincoln. They played them with all their effort and a good mentality and in the
end, they took the win of 17-15. In their last game against Coledale, they played with high intensity and a commitment to win the
game. They won 25-19 and ended up tying for second in their pool. We would like to give a shoutout to Arthur, Hayden, and
Andrew for their great blocks and rebounding. Also a shoutout to Benson and Jaiden for being team leaders and helping the team
by creating the plays and running practices alongside with Ms. Lewis and Mr. Ho. A big shout out to Mr. Ho and Ms. Lewis for
being amazing coaches and leading us to second in our pool. Lastly, a shout out to the whole team for playing with great effort,
positivity, and teamwork.
Congratulations to the Intermediate Girls basketball team for their strong performance at the Area Tournament. The girls fought
hard and made it all the way to the finals. Unfortunately they suffered a heartbreaking loss to John McRae, Mr. Hamilton and
Ms. Lewis are very proud of what the girls accomplished over the course of the season. Way to go Jags!
Intermediate Boys & Girls Basketball
Happy Lunar New Year from many of our SJAM students!
- Work daily from 11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
- Parents, are you interested in a
PAID job at SJAM?
- We need School Lunch Assistants to
support students of all ages
WE ARE HIRING!
York Region District School Board
For more information:
- call the school office: 905.888.5777
- email Vice Principal —[email protected]
- drop-in the main office
LOST AND FOUND
Please drop by the school between March 5th and
March 8th to look for and claim any lost items. All lost and found items left at the school on March 9th will be donated to a local charity
Save the Date
SJAM Spring Concert
Tuesday, May 1st, 2018
MARCH 2018 UPDATE
MARCH SPECIALS
Each month we feature specials and combos to bring you more variety. For the month of March your child can enjoy: 1. Chicken Shawarma in a whole wheat pita Shawarma chicken strips, shredded cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers with a creamy cucumber dressing stuffed in a pita. Halal version available. 2. Falafel in a whole wheat pita Falafel, shredded cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers with a creamy cucumber dressing stuffed in a pita.
3. Chicken Pot Pie with Caesar salad Chunks of chicken in a creamy sauce with a flaky pastry crust.
These items are available as a combo or entrée only. Visit us on-line to see our full menu.
These specials are available until March 30th. Place your orders today! Please note that the office will be closed for March Break: March 12-16, 2018.
Ordering is easy! Login to place your orders at www.kidskitchen.ca Orders are accepted until 10am the previous business day (on Friday for Monday orders). A valid credit card is required.
We’re here to help! Live customer service: 8am – 3pm Monday to Friday.
Spend more quality time with your kids. Leave the lunches to us!
905.944.0210 | www.kidskitchen.ca | [email protected]